ISLAMABAD - The Foreign Office Thursday rejected the latest allegations levelled by Afghanistan’s National Security Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, maligning Pakistan’s national security institutions.
“We reiterate our categorical rejection of the Afghan allegations of involvement in terrorist attacks, insurgent activities or cross-border shelling. We also firmly reject any statements casting aspersions on Pakistan’s commitment to fight terrorism,” a statement issued by the Foreign Office said.
It said Pakistan had repeatedly emphasised that terrorism is a common enemy, afflicting the whole region and concerted efforts must be made by all sides for combating it effectively.
"Levelling baseless allegations serves no useful purpose. It only benefits the enemies of peace and undermines the prospects of a cordial relationship between the fraternal peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan,” it added. The statement further said the launch of the operation Zarb-e-Azb is the clearest reflection of Pakistan’s resolve to fight terrorism without any discrimination or distinction.
The operation is dictated by Pakistan’s own national interests and backed by the national consensus. To ensure optimal results, it is imperative that necessary steps are taken by the Afghan authorities on their side of the border to block the fleeing terrorists and eliminating their sanctuaries on the Afghan territory. It is equally essential that effective measures should be instituted to streng-then border controls and surveillance.
“Pakistan remains committed to building friendly and good-neighbourly relations with Afghanistan, based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan hopes the Afghan side would reciprocate our policy of restraint and responsibility and our continued efforts for constructive engagement. It is essential to maintain an environment conducive to the continued development of cooperative and mutually-beneficial ties between the two countries,” the FO concluded.